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PENETANGUISHENE—It’s Boxing Day at Camp Marygrove, and the girls are still over the moon about their secret Santa gifts and the goodies that filled their Christmas stockings.

That’s right, Christmas comes twice a year for the girl campers aged 5-13 at Marygrove, where all kinds of dreams come true.

Ah-Yeong couldn’t believe her good fortune. Not only was she having a great time during her first ever camp, but she also received a special gift from Mr. Claus, who as everyone knows has his summer home in nearby Bracebridge.

“I got this t-shirt and the girls in my cabin signed it,” she said, showing off the “It’s all about ME” logo on the front and turning around to reveal the signatures of her friends on the back.

It’s all so new for the shy 12-year-old, who was born in Korea and came to Canada only last year with her family, not knowing a word of English.

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“There’s no camp in Korea like this,” she said, adding her favourite actitivies at the camp on Georgian Bay were swimming, crafts and the “awesome” dance party where the girls hopped and bopped until lights out.

Kianna, known as Kiki at camp, was introduced to Marygrove, her first overnight camp, by a friend “who’s been coming here since forever.”

“Meeting everybody was the best part,” said Kiki, 12. “Everyone is so supportive.”

One of her favourite activities was playing volleyball with the girls in the other cabins. “I also just like to walk around camp, meet new people and have some laughs.”

Mary-Anne, 12, was back for her second year at Marygrove, operated by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Toronto. Originally from Nigeria, where outdoor camping is not a tradition, she quickly conquered any fears.

Mary-Anne didn’t even flinch during the “Mission,” when campers become secret agents during a night time scavenger hunt. But she did hold the hand of another camper who was nervous during the hunt. “I didn’t want her to be scared,” said Mary-Anne.

Isabella a.k.a Izzy, 12, was thrilled that she and three of her friends made it to the second round of “Marygrove Idol,” singing their version of “Bad Romance.”

“We were harmonizing and the riff at the end was amazing,” she said, adding it was the highlight of Christmas Day at Marygrove and her third summer at camp.

All the girls agreed that while they would be taking many memories with them when they leave camp, they’ll also go home with many important lessons learned.

“Teamwork — we always work together,” said Ah-Yeong.

“You don’t judge a book by its cover,” added Kiki.

“The importance of friendship – a good camp friend is someone who understands me,” offered Izzy.

“Be supportive and nice to everyone,” said Mary-Anne. “There’s no need for drama.”

As the team from Crossed Arrows cabin, the girls each contributed a word to describe their camp experience, which together said it all: Fantasticamazingswagyolo (you only live once.)

And to all, a good night.

HOW TO DONATE: With your gift, the Fresh Air Fund can help send 25,000 disadvantaged and special-needs children to camp.

The Star does not authorize anyone to solicit on its behalf. Tax receipts will be issued in September.

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